FasTrak vs Pay-by-Plate
FasTrak vs Pay-by-Plate on the Golden Gate Bridge
FasTrak saves $1.00 per southbound crossing compared to pay-by-plate. For daily commuters, this adds up to over $500 per year. Carpool FasTrak saves even more at $3.00 per crossing versus the standard FasTrak rate.
FasTrak toll
$8.75
Transponder required
Pay-by-plate toll
$9.75
No transponder, billed by mail
Carpool FasTrak
$5.75
3+ occupants with FasTrak
Annual crossing cost comparison (passenger car)
| Crossings/week | FasTrak/year | Pay-by-Plate/year | Carpool FasTrak/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x | $910 | $1,014 | $598 |
| 5x | $2,275 | $2,535 | $1,495 |
| 10x | $4,550 | $5,070 | $2,990 |
| 20x | $9,100 | $10,140 | $5,980 |
How to set up Bay Area FasTrak
1
Open an account at 511.org
Visit 511.org and click on FasTrak to open a Bay Area FasTrak account. You will need a valid email address and a payment method to fund your prepaid balance.
2
Choose your transponder type
Bay Area FasTrak offers standard transponders, switchable transponders (for carpool lanes), and sticker transponders. For Golden Gate Bridge carpooling, you need a switchable transponder that can be set to carpool mode.
3
Fund your account
Open your account with a minimum balance of $25. Tolls are deducted automatically. Set up auto-replenish to keep your account funded and avoid any disruptions.
4
Mount and activate
Follow the instructions to mount your transponder inside the windshield. Most FasTrak transponders are activated automatically once your account is funded.
Important FasTrak facts
- + Bay Area FasTrak is not compatible with E-ZPass or SunPass transponders
- + FasTrak works on all Bay Area toll bridges (Bay Bridge, San Mateo, etc.)
- + Pay-by-plate bills must be paid within 30 days to avoid late fees
- + Rental car drivers can use pay-by-plate; the rental company bills you
- + Carpool mode must be set on the transponder before crossing